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Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Review: Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum

Title: Tell Me Three ThingsAuthor: Julie BuxbaumYear Published: 2015

Genre: YA fiction

Pages: 329

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Location (my 2016 Google Reading map): USAFTC Disclosure: I received this book as a giftSummary (from the back of the book): Everything about Jessie is wrong. At least, that's what it feels like during her first week of junior year at her new ultra-intimidating prep school in Los Angeles. Just when she's thinking about heading back to Chicago, she gets an email from a person calling themselves Somebody/Nobody (SN for short), offering to help her navigate the wilds of Wood Valley High School. Is it an elaborate hoax? Or can she rely on SN for some much-needed help?

It's been barely two years since her mother's death, and because her father eloped with a woman he met online, Jessie has been forced to move across the country to live with her stepmonster and her pretentious teenage sone.

In a leap of faith--or act of complete desperation--Jessie begins to rely on SN, and SN quickly becomes her lifeline and closest ally. Jessie can't help wanting to meet SN in person. But are some mysteries better left unsolved?

Review: As soon as I finished the Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, my Librarian friend handed me this book saying how much she liked it. I was all set to read another book, but cannot pass up a "really good YA" book. Well, what a fun read! I read it in one day, staying up 2 hours past my normal bed time to finish it. How's that for a recommendation?!

I like the characters in this book; they are real without being just "stereotypical" YA characters. Yes, Jessie's mom dies and it's an issue, but it isn't the only thing that defines her. Yes, there is a mean-girl, some cute-guys, the more brooding-guy, but I liked them and felt that they all contributed in important ways to the storyline.

I also like the idea of someone anonymously helping Jessie adjust to her new school. It would be easy to write it as someone writing anonymously in a mean way, but this person, SN, is nice and helpful and honest.

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About Me...

I taught History and Government for 14 years, and was a Teacher Librarian for 4. I am now a Social Studies and Technology Integration Coach for my district. I love to read, do photography, play with technology, and travel!